Tendência temporal, distribuição regional e perfil da morbimortalidade por queimadura na infância em Santa Catarina: Um estudo ecológico / Temporal trend, regional distribution and profile of morbidity and mortality due to childhood burns in Santa Catarina: An ecological study

Introdução: As queimaduras são um desafio da saúde pública devido à alta morbimortalidade e prejuízo na qualidade de vida da vítima. Elas afetam desproporcionalmente as populações de menor nível socioeconômico, resultando em elevados custos para saúde. Método: Estudo ecológico, retrospectivo, observacional, com abordagem quantitativa e análise de tendência temporal da morbimortalidade por queimadura em Santa Catarina, com dados obtidos dos Sistemas de Informações Hospitalar e de mortalidade disponibilizados pelo Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde. Análise temporal pelo Teste de Correlação de Spearman. Resultados: Verificada tendência de crescimento na taxa geral de internação (Spearman=0,806; p<0,005) por queimaduras no estado no período analisado. Maior prevalência no sexo masculino (RP 1,68), na população de 0 a 4 anos (RP 3,08) e na região da Grande Florianópolis (taxa média 23,22%). Predominou o grupo classificado como médio queimado (taxa média 25,67%) e as internações de 0 a 3 dias (taxa média 50,25%). Queimaduras em cabeça, pescoço e tronco (taxa média 32,25%) foram as mais prevalentes. Conclusão: Identificada tendência de crescimento na taxa de internação por queimaduras em crianças no estado. Maior prevalência de internação no sexo masculino, em crianças de 0 a 4 anos e na região da Grande Florianópolis. Predomínio de médio queimados e de queimaduras em cabeça, pescoço e tronco, com maior taxa de internações de curta duração.

Introduction: Burns is a public health challenge due to high morbidity and mortality and impairment of the victim's quality of life. They disproportionately affect populations of lower socioeconomic status, resulting in high health costs. Method: Ecological, retrospective, observational study, with a quantitative approach and temporal trend analysis of morbidity and mortality due to burns in Santa Catarina, with data obtained from the Hospital and Mortality Information Systems made available by the Information Technology Department of the Unified Health System. Temporal analysis by Spearman Correlation Test. Results: There was a growing trend in the general hospitalization rate (Spearman=0.806; p<0.005) for burns in the state in the period analyzed. Higher prevalence in males (RP 1.68), in the population aged 0 to 4 years (RP 3.08), and in the Greater Florianópolis region (mean rate 23.22%). The group classified as medium burn predominated (mean rate 25.67%) and hospitalizations of 0 to 3 days (mean rate 50.25%). Burns to the head, neck, and trunk (mean rate 32.25%) were the most prevalent. Conclusion: A growth trend was identified in the hospitalization rate for burns in children in the state. Higher prevalence of hospitalization in males, in children aged 0 to 4 years, and in the Greater Florianópolis region. Predominance of moderate burns and burns to the head, neck, and trunk, with a higher rate of short-term hospitalizations.

Hierarchical Y Zeolite-Based Catalysts for VGO Cracking: Impact of Carbonaceous Species on Catalyst Acidity and Specific Surface Area.

The performance of catalysts prepared from hierarchical Y zeolites has been studied during the conversion of vacuum gas oil (VGO) into higher-value products. Two different catalysts have been studied: CatY.0.00 was obtained from the standard zeolite (Y-0.00-M: without alkaline treatment) and CatY.0.20 was prepared from the desilicated zeolite (Y-0-20-M: treated with 0.20 M NaOH). The cracking tests were carried out in a microactivity test (MAT) unit with a fixed-bed reactor at 550 °C in the 20-50 s reaction time range, with a catalyst mass of 3 g and a mass flow rate of VGO of 2.0 g/min. The products obtained were grouped according to their boiling point range in dry gas (DG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), naphtha, and coke. The results showed a greater conversion and selectivity to gasoline with the CatY.0.20 catalyst, along with improved quality (RON) of the C5-C12 cut. Conversely, the CatY.0.00 catalyst (obtained from the Y-0.00-M zeolite) showed greater selectivity to gases (DG and LPG), attributable to the electronic confinement effect within the microporous channels of the zeolite. The nature of coke has been studied using different analysis techniques and the impact on the catalysts by comparing the properties of the fresh and deactivated catalysts. The coke deposited on the catalyst surfaces was responsible for the loss of activity; however, the CatY.0.20 catalyst showed greater resistance to deactivation by coke, despite showing the highest selectivity. Given that the reaction occurs in the acid sites of the zeolite and not in the matrix, the increased degree of mesoporosity of the zeolite in the CatY.0.20 catalyst facilitated the outward diffusion of products from the zeolitic channels to the matrix, thereby preserving greater activity.

Effect of laparoscopic handle size on surgical performance: A randomized crossover trial.

Laparoscopic instrument handles design and dimensions are crucial to determine the configuration of surgeons' hand grip and, therefore, can have a deleterious effect on overall surgical efficiency and surgeons' comfort. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of laparoscopic handle size and hand surface area on surgical task performance. A single-blind, randomized crossover trial was carried out with 29 novice medical students. Participants performed three simulated tasks in "black box" simulators using two scissor-type handles of different sizes. Surgical performance was assessed by the number of errors and time required to complete each task. Hand anthropometric data were measured using a 3D scanner. Execution time was significantly higher when cutting and suturing tasks were performed with the smaller handle. In addition, hand surface area was positively correlated with peg transfer task time when performed with the standard handle and was correlated with cutting task time in small and standard handle groups. We also found positive correlations between execution time and the number of errors executed by larger-handed participants. Our findings indicate that laparoscopic handle size and hand area influence surgical performance, highlighting the importance of considering hand anthropometry variances in surgical instrument design.

Prediction of fat-free mass from body surface area in young basketball players.

BACKGROUND: Fat Free Mass (FFM) is an important and essential indicator in various sports populations, since greater muscle and bone mass generates greater strength, endurance and speed in athletes. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to validate Body Surface Area (BSA) as an anthropometric indicator to estimate FFM in young basketball players. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 105 male basketball players of the Brazilian Basketball Confederation of Sao Paulo (Campinas), Brazil. The age range was 11 to 15 years. Weight and height were evaluated. BSA, body mass index (BMI) and maturity status (MS) were calculated. Total body scanning was performed by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The components were extracted: Fat mass (FM), Fat free mass (FFM), percentage of fat mass (%FM) and bone mass (BM). The data were analyzed using the correlation coefficient of concordance (CCC) in terms of precision and accuracy. RESULTS: Three regression equations were generated: equation 1 had age and body weight as predictors [FFM= -30.059+(2.926*age)+(0.625*Weight)] (R2 = 92%, precision = 0.96 and accuracy = 0.99), equation 2 used age and BSA [FFM=-45.719+(1.934*age)+(39.388*BSA)] (R2 = 94%, precision = 0.97 and accuracy = 0.99) and equation 3 was based on APHV and BSA [FFM=-15.284+(1.765*APHV)+(37.610*(BSA)] (R2 = 94%, precision = 0.96 and accuracy = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest the use of anthropometric equation using decimal age and BSA to estimate FFM in young basketball players. This new method developed can be used to design, evaluate and control training programs and monitor the weight status of athletes.

Liver Size and its Correlation with Anthropometric Parameters and Age / El Tamaño del Hígado y su Correlación con los Parámetros Antropométricos y la Edad

SUMMARY: The liver has over 500 physiological and biochemical roles in our organism so checking of liver size and function is a part of every clinical examination. Aim of our research was to estimate liver size on computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen images and to determinate relations between liver dimensions and anthropometric parameters. The research included 99 patients, 49 men and 50 women, who were referred for CT of abdomen. We measured body height (BH) and body mass (BM), and calculated body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA). Also, on CT images we measured anteroposterior (AP), laterolateral (LL) and two craniocaudal liver diameters (one at the level of midclavicular line - CCmcl, and the other was maximal - CCmax). Liver volume (LV) was calculated with formula. Our results showed that AP diameter positively correlated with BSA (r=0.30) in women. LL diameter positively correlated with BH (r=0.43), and BSA (0.31) in men. CCmcl diameter positively correlated with BH (r=0.33), BM (r=0.31), and BSA (r=0.34) in men, while in women it correlated only with BH (r=0.38). CCmax diameter positively correlated with BH (r=0.33) and BSA (r=0.33) in men. LV positively correlated with BH and BSA in both men (r=0.36, r=0.33, respectively) and women (r=0.42, r=0.31, respectively), and in men also with BM (r=0.34). LL, CCmcl, CCmax, and LV negatively correlated with aging in both sexes After the age of 60, there was a decrease in size of LL, CC diameters, as well as in LV. We concluded that liver dimensions decrease with aging, regardless of sex at the expanse of LL and CC diameters which are related to the size of body parameters, so that for a precise evaluation of liver size all three diameters should be measured, LV as well as BH, BM, and BSA.

El hígado desempeña más de 500 funciones fisiológicas y bioquímicas en nuestro organismo, por lo que comprobar el tamaño y la función de este órgano es parte de cada examen clínico. El objetivo de nuestra investigación fue estimar el tamaño del hígado mediante tomografía computarizada (TC) de imágenes del abdomen y determinar las relaciones entre las dimensiones del hígado y los parámetros antropométricos. La investigación incluyó a 99 pacientes, 49 hombres y 50 mujeres, que fueron remitidos para TC de abdomen. Medimos la altura corporal (BH) y la masa corporal (BM), y calculamos el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y el área de superficie corporal (BSA). Además, en las imágenes de TC medimos los diámetros hepáticos anteroposterior (AP), laterolateral (LL) y dos craneocaudales (uno a nivel de la línea medioclavicular - CCmcl, y el diámetro máximo - CCmax). El volumen del hígado (VI) se calculó con una fórmula. Nuestros resultados mostraron que el diámetro AP se correlacionó positivamente con BSA (r = 0,30) en mujeres. El diámetro de LL se correlacionó positivamente con BH (r=0,43) y BSA (0,31) en hombres. El diámetro CCmcl se correlacionó positivamente con BH (r=0,33), BM (r=0,31) y BSA (r=0,34) en hombres, mientras que en mujeres se correlacionó solo con BH (r=0,38). El diámetro CCmax se correlacionó positivamente con BH (r=0,33) y BSA (r=0,33) en hombres. El VI se correlacionó positivamente con BH y BSA tanto en hombres (r=0,36, r=0,33, respectivamente) como en mujeres (r=0,42, r=0,31, respectivamente), y en hombres también con BM (r=0,34). LL, CCmcl, CCmax y LV se correlacionaron negativamente con el envejecimiento en ambos sexos. Después de los 60 años, hubo una disminución en el tamaño de los diámetros LL, CC y LV. Concluimos que las dimensiones del hígado disminuyen con la edad, independientemente del sexo, en la extensión de los diámetros LL y CC que están relacionados con el tamaño de los parámetros corporales, por lo que para una evaluación precisa del tamaño del hígado se debe medir LV como BH, BM y BSA.

The association between duration of breastfeeding and the trajectory of brain development from childhood to young adulthood: an 8-year longitudinal study.

Breastfeeding has been associated with several short- and long-term health benefits, including positive cognitive and behavioral outcomes. However, the impact of breastfeeding on structural brain development over time remains unclear. We aimed to assess the association between breastfeeding duration in childhood and the developmental trajectory of overall cortical thickness, cortical area, and total intracranial volume during the transition from childhood to early adulthood. Participants included 670 children and adolescents with 1326 MRI scans acquired over 8 years from the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort for Mental Conditions (BHRCS). Breastfeeding was assessed using a questionnaire answered by the parents. Brain measures were estimated using MRI T1-weighted images at three time points, with 3-year intervals. Data were evaluated using generalized additive models adjusted for multiple confounders. We found that a longer breastfeeding duration was directly associated with higher global cortical thickness in the left (edf = 1.0, F = 6.07, p = 0.01) and right (edf = 1.0, F = 4.70, p = 0.03) hemispheres. For the total intracranial volume, we found an interaction between duration of breastfeeding and developmental stage (edf = 1.0, F = 6.81, p = 0.009). No association was found between breastfeeding duration and brain area. Our study suggests that the duration of breastfeeding impacts overall cortical thickness and the development of total brain volume, but not area. This study adds to the evidence on the potential impact of breastfeeding on brain development and provides relevant insights into the mechanisms by which breastfeeding might confer cognitive and mental health benefits.

HAS-BLED Score for Prediction of Bleeding and Mortality After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

ABSTRACT Introduction: Bleeding after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with increased mortality. The predictive value of the HAS-BLED score in TAVR patients is still to be evaluated. We assessed the value of the HAS-BLED score to predict in-hospital bleeding and mortality after TAVR and the impact of diferent renal impairment definitions on the predictive value of the score system. Methods: We retrospectively included 574 patients who underwent TAVR at a single center. Study outcomes were 30-day mortality and the composite endpoint of major and life-threatening bleeding as defined by The Valve Academic Research Consortium-2. The predictive value of the HAS-BLED score was calculated and compared to a modified model. The performance of the score was compared using two definitions of renal impairment. Model discrimination was tested using C-statistic and the Net Reclassification Index. Results: Bleeding occurred in 78 patients (13.59%). HAS-BLED category 3 was a significant predictor of bleeding (OR: 1.99 ]1.18- 3.37], C-index: 0.56, P=0.01). C-index increased to 0.64 after adding body surface area and extracardiac arteriopathy to the model. The Net Reclassification Index showed an increase in the predic tive value of the model by 11.4% (P=0.002). The C-index increased to 0.61 using renal impairment definition based on creatinine clearance. Operative mortality was significantly associated with the HAS-BLED score (OR: 7.54 [95% CI: 2.73- 20.82], C-index: 0.73, P<0.001). Conclusion: The HAS-BLED score could be a good predictor of in-hospital mortality after TAVR. Its predictive value for bleeding was poor but improved by adding procedure-specific factors and using creatinine clearance to define renal impairment.

Risk Factors of Thrombocytopenia After Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative thrombocytopenia is common in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, and its risk factors are unclear. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 3,175 adult patients undergoing valve surgeries with cardiopulmonary bypass from January 1, 2017 to December 30, 2018 in our institute. Postoperative thrombocytopenia was defined as the first postoperative platelet count below the 10th quantile in all the enrolled patients. Outcomes between patients with and without postoperative thrombocytopenia were compared. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Risk factors of postoperative thrombocytopenia were assessed by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The 10th quantile of all enrolled patients (75×109/L) was defined as the threshold for postoperative thrombocytopenia. In-hospital mortality was comparable between thrombocytopenia and non-thrombocytopenia groups (0.9% vs. 0.6%, P=0.434). Patients in the thrombocytopenia group had higher rate of postoperative blood transfusion (5.9% vs. 3.2%, P=0.014), more chest drainage volume (735 [550-1080] vs. 560 [430-730] ml, P<0.001), and higher incidence of acute kidney injury (12.3% vs. 4.2%, P<0.001). Age > 60 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.345-3.765, P=0.002], preoperative thrombocytopenia (OR 18.671, 95% CI 13.649-25.542, P<0.001), and cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR 1.088, 95% CI 1.059-1.117, P<0.001) were positively independently associated with postoperative thrombocytopenia. Body surface area (BSA) (OR 0.247, 95% CI 0.114-0.538, P<0.001) and isolated mitral valve surgery (OR 0.475, 95% CI 0.294-0.77) were negatively independently associated with postoperative thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSION: Positive predictors for thrombocytopenia after valve surgery included age > 60 years, small BSA, preoperative thrombocytopenia, and cardiopulmonary bypass time. BSA and isolated mitral valve surgery were negative predictors.

Chemotherapy and Anticancer Drugs Adjustment in Obesity: A Narrative Review.

BACKGROUND: Obese individuals have higher rates of cancer incidence and cancer- related mortality. The worse chemotherapy outcomes observed in this subset of patients are multifactorial, including the altered physiology in obesity and its impact on pharmacokinetics, the possible increased risk of underdosing, and treatment-related toxicity. AIMS: The present review aimed to discuss recent data on physiology, providing just an overall perspective and pharmacokinetic alterations in obesity concerning chemotherapy. We also reviewed the controversies of dosing adjustment strategies in adult and pediatric patients, mainly addressing the use of actual total body weight and ideal body weight. METHODS: This narrative review tried to provide the best evidence to support antineoplastic drug dosing strategies in children, adolescents, and adults. RESULTS: Cardiovascular, hepatic, and renal alterations of obesity can affect the distribution, metabolism, and clearance of drugs. Anticancer drugs have a narrow therapeutic range, and variations in dosing may result in either toxicity or underdosing. Obese patients are underrepresented in clinical trials that focus on determining recommendations for chemotherapy dosing and administration in clinical practice. After considering associated comorbidities, the guidelines recommend that chemotherapy should be dosed according to body surface area (BSA) calculated with actual total body weight, not an estimate or ideal weight, especially when the intention of therapy is the cure. CONCLUSION: The actual total body weight dosing appears to be a better approach to dosing anticancer drugs in both adults and children when aiming for curative results, showing no difference in toxicity and no limitation in treatment outcomes compared to adjusted doses.

HAS-BLED Score for Prediction of Bleeding and Mortality After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

INTRODUCTION: Bleeding after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with increased mortality. The predictive value of the HAS-BLED score in TAVR patients is still to be evaluated. We assessed the value of the HAS-BLED score to predict in-hospital bleeding and mortality after TAVR and the impact of diferent renal impairment definitions on the predictive value of the score system. METHODS: We retrospectively included 574 patients who underwent TAVR at a single center. Study outcomes were 30-day mortality and the composite endpoint of major and life-threatening bleeding as defined by The Valve Academic Research Consortium-2. The predictive value of the HAS-BLED score was calculated and compared to a modified model. The performance of the score was compared using two definitions of renal impairment. Model discrimination was tested using C-statistic and the Net Reclassification Index. RESULTS: Bleeding occurred in 78 patients (13.59%). HAS-BLED category 3 was a significant predictor of bleeding (OR: 1.99 ]1.18- 3.37], C-index: 0.56, P=0.01). C-index increased to 0.64 after adding body surface area and extracardiac arteriopathy to the model. The Net Reclassification Index showed an increase in the predic tive value of the model by 11.4% (P=0.002). The C-index increased to 0.61 using renal impairment definition based on creatinine clearance. Operative mortality was significantly associated with the HAS-BLED score (OR: 7.54 [95% CI: 2.73- 20.82], C-index: 0.73, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The HAS-BLED score could be a good predictor of in-hospital mortality after TAVR. Its predictive value for bleeding was poor but improved by adding procedure-specific factors and using creatinine clearance to define renal impairment.

Brain morphological variability between whites and African Americans: the importance of racial identity in brain imaging research.

In a segregated society, marked by a historical background of inequalities, there is a consistent under-representation of ethnic and racial minorities in biomedical research, causing disparities in understanding genetic and acquired diseases as well as in the effectiveness of clinical treatments affecting different groups. The repeated inclusion of small and non-representative samples of the population in neuroimaging research has led to generalization bias in the morphological characterization of the human brain. A few brain morphometric studies between Whites and African Americans have reported differences in orbitofrontal volumetry and insula cortical thickness. Nevertheless, these studies are mostly conducted in small samples and populations with cognitive impairment. For this reason, this study aimed to identify brain morphological variability due to racial identity in representative samples. We hypothesized that, in neurotypical young adults, there are differences in brain morphometry between participants with distinct racial identities. We analyzed the Human Connectome Project (HCP) database to test this hypothesis. Brain volumetry, cortical thickness, and cortical surface area measures of participants identified as Whites (n = 338) or African Americans (n = 56) were analyzed. Non-parametrical permutation analysis of covariance between these racial identity groups adjusting for age, sex, education, and economic income was implemented. Results indicated volumetric differences in choroid plexus, supratentorial, white matter, and subcortical brain structures. Moreover, differences in cortical thickness and surface area in frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital brain regions were identified between groups. In this regard, the inclusion of sub-representative minorities in neuroimaging research, such as African American persons, is fundamental for the comprehension of human brain morphometric diversity and to design personalized clinical brain treatments for this population.

Risk Factors of Thrombocytopenia After Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass

ABSTRACT Introduction: Postoperative thrombocytopenia is common in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, and its risk factors are unclear. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 3,175 adult patients undergoing valve surgeries with cardiopulmonary bypass from January 1, 2017 to December 30, 2018 in our institute. Postoperative thrombocytopenia was defined as the first postoperative platelet count below the 10th quantile in all the enrolled patients. Outcomes between patients with and without postoperative thrombocytopenia were compared. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Risk factors of postoperative thrombocytopenia were assessed by logistic regression analysis. Results: The 10th quantile of all enrolled patients (75×109/L) was defined as the threshold for postoperative thrombocytopenia. In-hospital mortality was comparable between thrombocytopenia and non-thrombocytopenia groups (0.9% vs. 0.6%, P=0.434). Patients in the thrombocytopenia group had higher rate of postoperative blood transfusion (5.9% vs. 3.2%, P=0.014), more chest drainage volume (735 [550-1080] vs. 560 [430-730] ml, P<0.001), and higher incidence of acute kidney injury (12.3% vs. 4.2%, P<0.001). Age > 60 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.345-3.765, P=0.002], preoperative thrombocytopenia (OR 18.671, 95% CI 13.649-25.542, P<0.001), and cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR 1.088, 95% CI 1.059-1.117, P<0.001) were positively independently associated with postoperative thrombocytopenia. Body surface area (BSA) (OR 0.247, 95% CI 0.114-0.538, P<0.001) and isolated mitral valve surgery (OR 0.475, 95% CI 0.294-0.77) were negatively independently associated with postoperative thrombocytopenia. Conclusion: Positive predictors for thrombocytopenia after valve surgery included age > 60 years, small BSA, preoperative thrombocytopenia, and cardiopulmonary bypass time. BSA and isolated mitral valve surgery were negative predictors.

Innovative adsorbents based on bentonite mining waste for removal of cationic dyes from wastewater.

Waste rock from bentonite mining (WRBM) was evaluated as potential adsorbents for removing crystal violet (CV) and methylene blue (MB) cationic dyes from contaminated water. The waste samples (AM01, AM02, and AM03) were collected from different locations of the bentonite mine and characterized through X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, N2 adsorption/desorption, and cation exchange capacity. The adsorption efficiency of CV and MB dyes was investigated through the effect of initial concentration, contact time, pH, the dosage of adsorbent, and temperature. Sample AM02 showed the largest surface area (69.13 m2/g) and the best adsorptive performance for both dyes, with removal more significant than 90%. The adsorption of CV and MB in the waste followed the Langmuir isothermal model. Samples AM01 and AM02 followed the pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetic model, while AM03 better fitted the Elovich kinetic model. The enthalpy (ΔH), entropy (ΔS), and Gibbs energy (ΔG) were evaluated as adsorption parameters. The process of adsorption of CV and MB dyes in the waste was predominantly endothermic and occurred spontaneously. WRBM samples proved to be a promising candidate for removing cationic dyes present in water.

The porosity of carbohydrate-based spray-dried microparticles containing limonene stabilized by pea protein: Correlation between porosity and oxidative stability.

In this study, the effects of different concentrations of pea protein concentrate (PPC) in the physical properties, porosity features, and oxidative stability of maltodextrin-based spray-dried microparticles containing orange essential oil (OEO, rich in limonene) were evaluated. The use of PPC resulted in spray-dried microparticles with encapsulation efficiencies of about 99 wt%, without visible pores, and relatively high glass transition temperature (66,4 °C) at Aw âˆ¼ 0.3. The nitrogen adsorption and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy measurements showed that the increase of PPC concentration from 2.4 to 4.8 wt% (g of PPC/100 g of emulsion) did not affect the porosity features of the microparticles. These results were confirmed by the profiles of OEO retention and limonene oxide production, which were similar for both samples throughout four weeks of storage. Based on these results, we verified that the lower amount of PPC we tested can effectively protect the OEO during storage, showing that a relatively cheaper orange flavor powder can be produced using less protein.

Highly effective adsorption of caffeine by a novel activated carbon prepared from coconut leaf.

The disposal of coconut wastes is costly and damaging to the environment, but its uses are advantageous activated carbons production. Coconut leaves waste were used for activated carbon production by pyrolysis at 500° C and activation with potassium carbonate. The activated carbon was used for caffeine removal from aqueous solution. The coconut leaves activated carbon showed a predominantly amorphous structure from X-ray diffraction analysis and a pH at the zero charge point of 7.9. From the N2 adsorption/desorption method, the adsorbent showed a predominance of mesopores, with average pore size of 45.48 ηm and a surface area of 678.03 m2/g. From kinetic studies the data followed the pseudo-second order, where the intraparticle diffusion can be neglected. The adsorption isotherms were satisfactorily adjusted for the Redlich-Peterson model and a type curve L was identified. The thermodynamic parameters showed that adsorption occurred spontaneously, was exothermic and governed by physical adsorption. The artificial neural networks developed were capable of predicting both kinetics and equilibrium adsorption data under different operating conditions and was comparable to the traditional models available in literature in the training experiments, encouraging its use for data generalization when an efficient dataset is used. In conclusion, coconut leaves waste showed to be a promising feedstock to produce activated carbon aiming caffeine removal from water and wastewater.

Hydrogen storage in purified multi-walled carbon nanotubes: gas hydrogenation cycles effect on the adsorption kinetics and their performance.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are an alternative for storage with low cost, eco-friendly, and good performance for both process adsorption and desorption. Herein, a purification procedure of MWCNTs was successfully described and studied by using XRD, TEM, Raman spectroscopy and by means of N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms using the BET method. The H2 storage properties at room temperature of the purified carbon nanotubes exposed to gas under pressures between 0.39 and 13.33 kPa was investigated by using the quartz crystal microbalance technique. It was found that the H2 adsorption capacity is strongly dependent on the morphological and structural characteristics of the carbon nanotubes and their specific surface area. The best sample with specific surface area of 729.4 ± 3 m2 g-1 shows a maximum adsorption capacity of 3.46 wt% at 12.79 kPa of H2 exposure pressure. The adsorption kinetics (t95%) from the different purified MWCNTs was also investigated as a function of the H2 exposure pressure as well as the performance of these MWCNTs on the reversibility of the H2 loading/unloading process when underwent to successive cycles of gas exposure.

Unravelling the Interaction of Piperlongumine with the Nucleotide-Binding Domain of HSP70: A Spectroscopic and In Silico Study.

Piperlongumine (PPL) is an alkaloid extracted from several pepper species that exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. Nevertheless, the molecular mode of action of PPL that confers such powerful pharmacological properties remains unknown. From this perspective, spectroscopic methods aided by computational modeling were employed to characterize the interaction between PPL and nucleotide-binding domain of heat shock protein 70 (NBD/HSP70), which is involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy along with time-resolved fluorescence revealed the complex formation based on a static quenching mechanism. Van't Hoff analyses showed that the binding of PPL toward NBD is driven by equivalent contributions of entropic and enthalpic factors. Furthermore, IDF and Scatchard methods applied to fluorescence intensities determined two cooperative binding sites with Kb of (6.3 ± 0.2) × 104 M-1. Circular dichroism determined the thermal stability of the NBD domain and showed that PPL caused minor changes in the protein secondary structure. Computational simulations elucidated the microenvironment of these interactions, showing that the binding sites are composed mainly of polar amino acids and the predominant interaction of PPL with NBD is Van der Waals in nature.

Precisão de réguas endodônticas milimetradas e orifício calibrador, e avaliação da regularidade da superfície do orifício calibrador / Accuracy of endodontic millimeter rulers and calibrator hole, and evaluation of the regularity of the calibrator hole surface

Objetivo: O objetivo desse artigo foi avaliar a precisão das porções milimetrada e calibradora das réguas endodônticas, e avaliar a regularidade da superfície dos orifícios calibradores. Métodos: A porção milimetrada das réguas Angelus, Maillefer, Maquira, Microdont e Prisma foi avaliada com paquímetro eletrônico digital. Os orifícios calibradores da Maillefer, Prisma e Angelus foram medidos com um projetor de perfil. A regularidade da superfície dos orifícios calibradores foi classificada em S1 ­ sem irregularidades ou S2 ­ com regularidades. A análise de precisão das porções milimetrada e calibradora foi realizada com o teste t (p=0,05); e as frequências dos tipos de superfície, com o teste do qui-quadrado (p<0,05). Resultados: A Maillefer foi a única régua endodôntica com precisão em todos os comprimentos e orifícios. A Prisma apresentou estatisticamente mais orifícios do tipo S2, quando comparada com outras réguas endodônticas avaliadas (p<0,05). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre Angelus e Maillefer (p>0,05). Conclusão: A Maillefer apresentou precisão nas porções milimetrada e calibradora. As réguas endodônticas da Angelus não foram precisas em nenhum comprimento da parte milimetrada e não foram precisas na maioria dos orifícios calibradores. A régua endodôntica Prisma mostrou significativamente mais orifícios calibradores com irregularidades na superfície do que Angelus e Maillefer. Destaca-se a necessidade de controle de qualidade e padrões específicos para fabricação das réguas endodônticas (AU).

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the accuracy of the millimeter and calibration portion and evaluate the regularity of the calibrator orifice surfaces of the endodontic rulers. Methods: The millimeter portion of the Angelus, Maillefer, Maquira, Microdont and Prisma rulers was evaluated with an electronic digital caliper. The calibration holes of the Maillefer, Prisma and Angelus were measured with Profile Projector. The surface regularity of calibration holes was evaluated and classified in S1- without irregularities and S2- with irregularities. The accuracy analysis of the millimeter and calibration was performed with T-Test (p=0.05) and the frequencies of the surface types with Chi-square (p<0.05). Results: The Maillefer was the only rulers with accuracy in all lengths and holes. Prisma presented statistically more S2 type holes when compared with other endodontic rulers evaluated (p <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between Angelus and Maillefer (p> 0.05). Conclusion: The Maillefer presented accuracy in the millimeter and calibration portion. Angelus endodontic rulers were not accurate at any rated length of the millimeter portion and it was not accurate in most calibration holes evaluated. Prisma endodontic ruler showed significantly more calibration holes with irregular surfaces than Angelus and Maillefer. We emphasize the need for quality control and specific standards for endodontic rulers manufacturing (AU).

Obtainment of the spray-dried extracts of Peperomia pellucida L. (H.B.K.) using different atomization temperatures: physicochemical characterization and technological development for pharmaceutical applications.

Spray-dried extracts are prepared as powders or granules after solvent removal, which can be obtained in the presence or absence of pharmaceutical adjuvants. This work aimed to optimize the process of obtaining dried extracts of Peperomia pellucida L. (HBK) by spray drying. The characterization of the extract was performed by thermal analysis, specific surface area, particle size and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); then, capsules were developed for antimicrobial treatment, evaluating four bench lots by the determination of the angle of repose and time of flow, scanning electron microscopy, porosity and physicochemical quality control. There were no significant differences between the extracts obtained by spray drying at atomization temperatures of 140 °C, 160 °C and 180 °C, which was confirmed by thermal analysis. Specific surface area varied inversely with the mean particle size. Regarding the marker content by HPLC, no significant differences were found between the samples, although the flavonoid fraction was more stable at 160 °C. Bench lots (I to IV) were developed using the diluents Flowlac®, Starch® 1500, microcrystalline cellulose 250 and Cellactose® 80. Based on the results, the bench lot I, containing Flowlac®, was selected. The results of physicochemical quality control demonstrated that the selected formulation meets the pre-established parameters, and proving to be economically viable.